The Darkness was Comfortable for me - Chapter 48: The Next Morning and The Beginning of the Race

In a realm where even the faintest shadows whisper untold tales, I came to realize that the forgotten often hold the most powerful narratives.As an avid admirer of the world's most beloved series, I never imagined that one night's rest would pull me into its very fabric.“Why on earth am I stuck in this world? And why, of all people, am I him?”I had become Arthur Nightingale—Class A’s most unremarkable student. A magic swordsman barely worthy of mention, ranked 8th among the first-years. A mere footnote in the grand story.Still, with this body’s abilities and my own insider knowledge, I figured I could carve out a peaceful life. Or so I believed.“This was the only way,” the voice repeated, resolute. “The only way to stop her.”Little did I know how truly unique Arthur Nightingale was—or the path this journey would force me to take...

I met the male lead in prison.

Riku Aoyama was just a broke, unlucky and starving college dropout waiting for his time and scraping by on instant noodles, and ended up as part-time buddy—until a mysterious vending machine offered him a deal: a system that lets him buy anything.Want a skills? Check.Looking for knowledge? Instantly downloaded.Legendary weapons? Delivered to his door.Authority, time, fate, even the affection of others? All up for sale—if he can pay the price.With the Infinite Wallet System, Riku’s once-pathetic life turns into a wild ride of action, opportunity, and temptation. From unlocking forbidden martial arts to building a harem of powerful women drawn to his rising charisma, Riku is determined to forge an empire, one purchase at a time.But every system has its cost. As he gains power, hidden forces begin to notice his ascent. Gods, demons, and beings beyond reality have started watching—and some want to claim the system for themselves.Action-packed, hilarious, and mature, this is the story of a man who can buy everything—except his own peace of mind.

Sirens: a name derived from an ancient creature, used to describe those who could charm, lure, control, and heal others by singing.

Subjected to live the life of a siren, Aria had experienced, seen, and heard many horrific things. Broken beyond repair, Aria resigned herself to death, when suddenly…

The Grand Duke, Lloyd Cardence Valentine, arrived and whispered, “Should I kill everyone here?”

“If you need me, just call me. Your song will always reach me, wherever you are.”

In the end, Aria called the devil, bringing death to all those present, along with herself.

“Let’s fall down to hell together.”

And with that, Aria breathed her last and died… only to return to her 10-year-old self.

Now that she had a second chance at her life, Aria was determined to change her fate, as well as the cruel fate of her saviour, Grand Duke Valentine.

And so… Aria proposed to him with a marriage contract.

She sold her soul to the devil and vowed to protect him.

The young duke took the contract from her hand.

“So, where should I stamp the seal?”

* * *

“You said you’d divorce me within 10 years.”

The grown-up villain leaned in, hovering his head before he kissed her tenderly over her crown.

“Now that we’re adults, we should sign another contract.”